Funded: Wichita, KS – Dunbar Theatre

Dunbar Theatre Getting a New Roof

by Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.)

A historic theatre in north east Wichita will get a new roof. The city council approved the roof for the Dunbar Theatre Tuesday. The theatre needs a new roof in order to begin renovations on the building.

The POWER Community Development Corporation bought the building from the city in 2009. Now the organization is trying to raise $4.9 million to renovate the building. Improving the visual and performing arts center is part of the McAdams Neighborhood Revitalization plan. The theatre is located at 1007 N. Cleveland.

Back in 2008, the city applied for a Housing and Urban Development Economic Development grant to use for the theatre. It’s been awarded $294,000. Since the city received the money, it will pay for a new roof. The city says re-roofing the theatre is a necessary first step to ensure structural stability of the building.

The director of POWER CDC says fundraising is just getting underway, but he’s confident they’ll eventually be able to reopen the theatre.